Nutrition and Product

Fresh, Versatile and Grown in Queensland

Palm Hearts Australia produces fresh palm hearts from sustainably grown Peach Palms in the wet tropics of Far North Queensland.

Hidden beneath the palm’s firm outer layers is a tender, pale heart with a delicate flavour and a crisp yet soft texture. Its mild taste makes it an exceptionally versatile ingredient, suitable for everything from fresh salads and appetisers to grilled dishes, stir-fries and contemporary restaurant menus.

Unlike many palm hearts available in jars or cans, our product is supplied fresh, allowing its natural texture and subtle flavour to take centre stage.

What Are Palm Hearts?

Palm heart is the tender growing point found inside certain edible palm varieties.

It is made up of the soft inner stem, growing shoot and newly formed fronds. Once the tougher outer layers are removed, the edible centre is revealed and prepared for culinary use.

Although a number of palm species produce an edible heart, only certain varieties are suitable for sustainable harvesting. Palm Hearts Australia uses Peach Palms, which naturally produce multiple stems from the same plant.

This means selected mature stems can be harvested while the remaining shoots continue growing.

A Naturally Plant-Based Ingredient

Palm hearts are a plant-based food with a mild flavour and satisfying texture.

They can be included in a wide range of eating styles and dishes, including vegetarian and vegan meals. Their versatility allows them to be used as a fresh feature ingredient or as an accompaniment to seafood, meat, grains and vegetables.

Palm hearts may contain naturally occurring dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Exact nutritional values can vary according to growing conditions, product size, preparation and serving quantity.

For detailed nutritional information, please refer to the product label or contact Palm Hearts Australia.

Fresh Rather Than Preserved

Many people are familiar with palm hearts sold in tins or jars, where they are preserved in brine or another liquid.

Fresh palm heart offers a different eating experience. It retains its natural firmness, subtle sweetness and delicate tropical character without relying on a preserving liquid.

Because the product is fresh, it should be refrigerated and handled with the same care as other fresh vegetables.

Flavour and Texture

Fresh palm heart has a clean, delicate flavour that is sometimes compared with artichoke, asparagus or bamboo shoots, although it has a character of its own.

Its texture can vary depending on how it is cut and prepared. The outer part of the edible heart is firmer and crisp, while the centre is softer and more tender.

This combination makes it suitable for raw and cooked dishes.

How to Use Fresh Palm Hearts

Fresh palm heart can be:

• sliced finely and served raw in salads;
• cut into rounds or strips for appetisers;
• grilled, roasted or lightly sautéed;
• added to stir-fries and vegetable dishes;
• paired with seafood, citrus and tropical flavours;
• served with dressings, herbs and fresh vegetables;
• incorporated into vegetarian or vegan meals; or
• used as a feature ingredient on restaurant menus.

Its subtle flavour works particularly well with ingredients such as lime, lemon, herbs, chilli, garlic, olive oil, coconut, avocado and fresh seafood.

Product Preparation

Before use, any remaining firm outer layers should be removed until the tender edible centre is reached.

The palm heart can then be sliced, diced, shaved or cut lengthways according to the dish being prepared.

To help maintain freshness:

• keep the product refrigerated;
• store it in clean, sealed food-grade packaging;
• prepare it using clean utensils and surfaces;
• consume it within the recommended storage period; and
• follow any handling instructions supplied with the product.

Specific storage and preparation directions may vary depending on how the palm heart is supplied.

Naturally Sustainable Harvesting

Traditional palm heart production from single-stemmed palms requires the entire tree to be cut down. Once its growing point is removed, the palm cannot survive.

Peach Palms grow in clusters and continually produce new shoots. This allows mature stems to be selectively harvested while younger stems remain and continue growing.

The plant’s natural regenerative habit makes Peach Palm particularly well suited to sustainable palm heart production.

Product Availability

As a fresh agricultural product, availability may vary according to seasonal conditions, harvest timing and supply.

Palm Hearts Australia welcomes enquiries from:

• chefs and restaurants;
• specialty food retailers;
• caterers;
• food producers;
• wholesalers; and
• customers interested in fresh Australian-grown produce.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information should be based on the specific product supplied and the serving size used.

Suggested nutrition panel area:

Serving size: [insert serving size]
Energy: [insert verified value]
Protein: [insert verified value]
Fat: [insert verified value]
Saturated fat: [insert verified value]
Carbohydrate: [insert verified value]
Sugars: [insert verified value]
Dietary fibre: [insert verified value]
Sodium: [insert verified value]

The completed nutrition information should be obtained from laboratory testing, product specifications or an appropriately verified nutrition calculation before publication.

Discover Fresh Australian Palm Hearts

Experience the delicate flavour and culinary versatility of fresh palm hearts grown in Far North Queensland.

Contact Palm Hearts Australia to discuss product availability, supply or suitable uses.

[Make a Product Enquiry]